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Recent News

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette considers Shamarko Thomas the favorite to start at strong safety.

Thomas was limited to special teams last season, playing just two snaps. He received positive marks against the run in 2013, but his coverage skills remain a concern. Fourth-round pick Doran Grant could move to safety if Thomas flops. Wed, May 6, 2015 04:32:00 PM

This would put Thomas in the IDP crosshairs. Polamalu hasn't officially retired, but it's certain he's played his last snap with Pittsburgh. Mostly a special teamer, Thomas only played two snaps on defense last season. As a rookie in 2013, he did a solid job against the run but struggled in coverage. It would be an upset if the Steelers didn't add a safety in the draft. Sun, Apr 5, 2015 10:13:00 AM

As veteran CB Ike Taylor put it, it's not something to take lightly as Polamalu rarely invites others to work out with him over the summer. Thomas played just 184 defensive snaps as a rookie, with none of them coming in the last seven games when he was demoted to the No. 4 safety. Thomas is a highlight-reel hitter and is being groomed as Polamalu's successor at strong safety. Fri, Jun 27, 2014 10:40:00 AM

Depth Charts

DeAngelo Williams (knee) is questionable for Week 14 against the Bills.

Williams underwent arthroscopic knee surgery about a month ago and has missed the Steelers' last four games. He practiced Wednesday, got the day off on Thursday and returned to a limited session on Friday. Williams will slide in as the No. 2 back behind workhorse Le'Veon Bell upon his return. Fitzgerald Toussaint has been filling that role for the past month.

Nix drew three starts at fullback this year while earning a positive grade in blocking from Pro Football Focus. He was also a key player on special teams with nine tackles and two forced fumbles. Nix was placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering a right foot injury in Week 16.

It will be his second straight absence. Heyward-Bey remains week to week with a sprained foot. Pittsburgh's wide receiver depth has really been tested this year. With Heyward-Bey and Markus Wheaton (shoulder) sidelined and Sammie Coates playing at much less than 100 percent, the Steelers will continue to feature Antonio Brown, Eli Rogers and Cobi Hamilton in three-wide sets.

Pittsburgh also officially sent RE Cameron Heyward to injured reserve to make room for OLB Bud Dupree and RB Daryl Richardson. Expected to serve as the No. 2 receiver with Martavis Bryant suspended, Wheaton was limited to just three games because of a lingering shoulder injury. He finishes his contract year with four catches for 51 yards and a touchdown. He will likely have to take a prove-it deal this spring.

Steelers LG Ramon Foster (chest) is questionable for Week 14 against the Bills.

Foster did not practice at all this week after taking a helmet to the chest against the Giants. B.J. Finney will get the nod at left guard if Foster misses the game. Foster sitting out would be a blow for the entire offense.

Wallace made five spot starts filling in for Pouncey last year and graded out positively in run blocking. He only needs to hold off David Snow to keep the No. 2 center job. A career journeyman, 29-year-old Wallace re-signed to a three-year, $3.48 million deal with the Steelers this offseason.

Updating a previous report, Chris Boswell (abdomen, questionable) is likely to be a game-time decision against the Bills in Week 14.

Mark Kaboly of DK Pittsburgh Sports reported earlier that Boswell was expected to play, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said the Steelers won't know his status until he goes through pregame warmups. For what it's worth, Boswell returned to a full practice on Friday following absences on Wednesday and Thursday. Randy Bullock filled in for Boswell last week against the Giants.